714.1515/279
The President of the American Geographical Society (Greenough) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17.]
Dear Sir: We have the honor to present herewith the economic survey organized and directed by this Society, covering the territory in dispute between Guatemala and Honduras, (about 4,615 square miles), this survey being made in accordance with instructions from the State Department:—
“to show the extent and character of the interests of the respective countries which are likely to be affected by the settlement of the boundary.”
The documents submitted are as follows:21
- 1.
- General report and summary, with map of the disputed territory
- 2.
- Reports by the scientists of the expedition
- (a)
- Forestry, with map
- (b)
- Plant and Botanical report
- (c)
- Soils and Agriculture, with three maps.
The general report, by Major P. H. Ashmead, Chief Executive of the expedition for which we are responsible, contains the data requisite [Page 114] to determine an equitable boundary line, but we do not feel called upon under our instructions to comment further on this aspect of the report. If further explanation is desired at any time, we should be happy to respond. The map accompanying the general report visualizes the matter and is essential to an intelligent comprehension of the latter. The map was constructed by us by combining information afforded by maps given by the representatives of the governments of Guatemala and Honduras, and, although no topographical survey was attempted by us, yet the surveyor of our expedition conducted extensive field examinations, which assure the substantial accuracy of our map submitted. The progress of science, which enables us to submit many photographic illustrations elucidating the report, is a comparatively novel feature.
With reference to the scientific reports, they will be found to deal exhaustively with their respective subjects and the maps accompanying them are of especial interest and novelty and convey at once to the eye the leading natural features of the country under survey. The possession of these maps by the respective governments can not fail to be welcome, for they deal exhaustively with a matter which has never been similarly presented to them. A study of the maps practically presents to the eye information dealt with at length in the reports.
It is fitting that we should make acknowledgment of the great courtesy and assistance rendered to our representatives by each of the governments involved, during their work upon the survey, whereby their labors were greatly facilitated and the time requisite for the completion of their work greatly abridged.
We are [etc.]
By
- The documents are not printed on account of their length and the inclusion of photographs and maps; the main report is summarized supra. Of three sets of copies received, one was sent to each of the Special Missions. The report itself is not included in the printed documents of the boundary conference, but the comments on it submitted by counsel for the Guatemalan Mission, December, 1919, and by the attorneys for Honduras, Jan. 28, 1920, are published (Mediation of the Honduran-Guatemalan Boundary Question, vol. ii, pp. 613 ff., 633 ff.).↩